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Which career should I strive for?

What advice could I get if I'm still not sure what career to pursue in as a highschooler who is already stressed out and has to complete their applications by the next week?

fall25
Thank you comment icon Apply/Enroll as Undecided. No one should tell you your Major. You'll be inspired for a career first and then you can choose the Major that connects for that career. Always have your college degrees pay off by knowing a career first because that tells you what to major in. It's also okay to take a gap year before starting college to be assured what you want in your future. Michelle M.
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Paul’s Answer

You might start out by exploring your personal interests and strengths through activities like taking career assessments, at a local job or employment center. This will help you determine where your greatest strengths are, whether it be in things like Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences, Math, and other career concentrations.

Next, research different potential career paths by conducting informational interviews with people like college professors and people at the career center, and investigating national and regional job market trends.

Finally, consider your long-term goals and values, and remember that it is okay to be undecided and be willing to change things around as you get more experience and learn more about yourself and different fields. As we grow older we should definitely be willing to seek more education and engage in activities that will enable us to progress in life.

I have a basic formula, when it comes to determining a college major or even a future occupation. Choose something that you love to do, not just a passion, but really love. It must be something that you love so much, that even if they did not pay you to do it, you would still do it anyway. American historian, David McCullough, said it even more clearly. He stated that he loved writing about history so much, that he would have paid someone, so that he could do it every day. His love of his major and occupation was this great.
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Pam’s Answer

Hi Bryan!

This is the case for so many people your age and was exactly where I was at your age too. It's okay not to know right away and if you don't have any ideas and have to declare a major, find something that could benefit you in life even if it doesn't end up being tied to your career. I was ALL over the place and ended up majoring in Business. I also want to reassure you that your degree doesn't lock you into a certain job. We had a high level executive speaking to a group of us once when someone asked him what his major in college was. He laughed and said "Culinary Arts". He wanted to be a chef, but ended up with a job at Verizon and loved it. He still got hired even though he didn't have a degree that was relevant. So it's okay not to know right now. When you are ready, declare a major that you're most interested in. Once you graduate from college, you may end up doing something totally different. Employers will be wanting to see that you went to college and that you are willing to learn and work hard. They don't always care what you majored in. Don't worry if your friends know exactly what they want to major in, because a lot of people don't and that's okay. Good luck!
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Rebecca’s Answer

Hi Bryan! Don't stress, so many college students start out "knowing" what they want to do only to change their major several times the 1st and 2nd years. My own daughter has done exactly that! There are countless opportunities out there. You don't have to declare a major when you start so just take the first step and get the requirements out of the way and take some electives to explore whats out there. Ask yourself what moves YOU. What makes YOUR heart sing? What can always make YOU happy? Then how can you apply that to a career choice? It's ok to change your mind along the way, we all grow and change throughout life. All will work out and you will have an amazing journey ahead of you!
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Jessica Marie’s Answer

You don't have to know exactly what you want to do for your whole life right now. Many people use college to explore what they love and then decide what to study more deeply. College is a great place to discover new things you might not know about yet. I truly believe in the power of education because of the doors it can open, but it's also important to take time to understand what you want. Remember, one decision won't trap you forever—life is a journey, and it's perfectly fine to change your mind as you grow.
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